Lucretia
1776
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Giovanni David
Giovanni David (1743–1790) was an Italian artist, born in Cabella Ligure.
See the richer artist page1776
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Lucretia is a 1776 ink by Giovanni David, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a woman lying on a couch, her body turned away. She’s wrapped in a loose cloth, one arm raised over her head, the other clutching a dagger. The room around her is simple—a draped curtain, a small table, and a vase of flowers on the floor. Her face is hidden, but her tense posture speaks volumes. The name *Lucretia* hints at a story of betrayal and sacrifice, a common theme in art. The soft shading and dramatic lighting were new techniques back then, making the scene feel almost three-dimensional. Want to see more? Check out how etching works to bring these lines to life.
Giovanni David (1743–1790) was an Italian artist, born in Cabella Ligure.
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